The goal of this series of hearings is to open the legislative process to the public, listen to thoughts and feedback about proposed election reforms and reinvigorate participatory democracy. The campaign finance reform hearings in Rochester (May 28) and Albany (June 3) are the third set in a series of five that will continue in September and November.

Previous hearings in April and May considered reforms to the registration process, casting a ballot and poll site operations. In future hearings, the Elections Committee will consider Boardof Elections oversight, additional election law reforms and oversight of the November elections.

This dialogue between lawmakers and the public are part of the Senate’s commitment to beginning a robust committee process, developing sound public policy through open dialogue and creating transparency in the legislative process.

The purpose of the hearings in Rochester on May 28, and in Albany on June 3, is to seek public comment on the following bills and bill drafts; full text is available at NYSenate Markup:

(Multiple bill drafts) Public financing of elections through three different systems: "clean elections," 4:1 matching system with "triggers," and hybrid matching system with grants

Those who wish to attend or testify should call Bernadette Oliver at (518) 455-2310, and fill out and return the attached reply form via fax at least two days prior to the hearing. The Elections Committee will accommodate as many witnesses as possible, and encourages the submission of written testimony, which will be considered and made part of the hearing record. Written testimony should be e-mailed no later than two days prior to the hearing as an attachment in any common format to: oliver@senate.state.ny.us.

Witnesses are requested to keep their oral testimony to no more than five minutes in length and to bring 10 copies of their prepared statement to the hearing. In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. Accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities upon reasonable request to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate facilities and activities. Questions about this hearing may be directed to Bernadette Oliver at (518) 455-2310 (oliver@senate.state.ny.us).